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~ PTARMIGANS in ALASKA ~
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Ptarmigan General Information |
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The Willow Ptarmigan belongs to the Grouse family. Adults are 12 to 16 inches in length. They are commonly found in North America and Northern Europe.
Their plumage changes from brown in the summer to completely white in the winter.
The Willow Ptarmigan is the Alaska State Bird.
Ptarmigan Feather Details
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Male Ptarmigan
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Ptarmigan Summer Plumage
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Common Name:
Scientific Name:
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Willow Ptarmigan
Lagopus lagopus
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Class:
Family:
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Aves
Phasianidae
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Range:
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Alaska & Northern Europe
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Length:
Weight:
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32 to 42 cm (Adult)
400 to 800 grams (Adult)
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Below: A Willow Ptarmigan in late transition stage into its summer plumage.
Ptarmigan in the Arctic
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Right: Willow Ptarmigan in May.
At this time of the year, it is common to still find snow on the ground in Alaska.
This Ptarmigan is spotted in Interior Alaska with a partial winter plumage.
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Male Ptarmigan Fall Plumage
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Left: Male Willow Ptarmigan in late Fall. The plumage has started to transition into the winter plumage.
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Female Ptarmigan Fall Plumage
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Female Ptarmigan Summer Plumage
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Male Ptarmigan Spring Plumage
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Ptarmigans make strange noises. Sometimes, they sound as though they speak a foreign language. You'll see what I mean once you get to hear one of their calls.
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Male and Female Ptarmigans |
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Male Ptarmigan close ups (left).
Female Ptarmigan close ups (below).
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Ptarmigans in Denali Park |
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Denali Park is a great place to see Ptarmigans. Most people drive right by them without even noticing.
Stop and take a moment to get acquainted to this bird...
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Ptarmigans in Denali Park |
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